Joe Hogan
Gig Seeker Pro

Joe Hogan

Band Folk Acoustic

Calendar

This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

The best kept secret in music

Press


"Up and Comers"

While you’d imagine someone with the warm, calming folk style that Joe Hogan has to be living in a place a little sunnier, but still with skeletons in the closet (i.e. Southern California), Worcester’s got him. And because of the heart-felt, melancholic poetry weaving through the “2 and 4” guitar clicks on his new CD, Smoky Joe, I’m sure coffeehouse-frequenting Worcestorians hope it stays that way.
Born and raised in Vestal, a small town in upstate NY (notably the only state that HAS an “upstate”), Joe rerouted to Worcester to go to school. And since that time three years ago, he has been building quite a sound, and quite a following. Along with Matty Jaskot and Dina Kim on piano and violin, respectively, he has become a regular performer at such local venues as The Lucky Dog, Irish Times, and, of course, The Java Hut. In fact, he just recently won Pulse Magazine’s Worcester Music Award for Best Coffeehouse Singer/Songwriter.

But enough with the resume, let’s talk music. Joe has said that he originally started playing guitar because of every college student’s prime choice of dorm room wall decor, Dave Matthews Band. But since then, his main guitar influences have lain in such classic blues and folk legends as Keb’ Mo and Bob Dylan, just to name a few. Jeff Buckley seems to take the title of biggest vocal influence for Joe, most likely because of his dynamics, and high amount of comfort and preference to playing with the notes in falsetto, but easily sliding right back down to normal.

Joe has now fused his influences into a no-gimmick, completely pure folk project. Not that most folk musicians are known for their flashy production and light shows, but while most of the songs on Smoky Joe have a very soothing, serene, cuddle-up-around-the-campfire feel one would expect from a folk singer, his lyrical subject matter really brings it back down to the nitty gritty about true emotional confusion and lack of direction. It’s not just I’m happy/you’re happy/let’s plant a tree together bubble gum crap that shouldn’t be suitable for anyone over six. I suppose it’s a bit ironic since that’s usually the type of music people listen to when they want to escape those feelings. But, either way, it’s just another testament to why the true poetry set to these toe-tap metronome melodies on Smoky Joe are all simply Joe Hogan, and no one else. - The Pulse Magazine


Discography

2005 EP, 3 songs with a distribution of over 400 locally in Worceter, MA.

"Smoky Joe" independent release in June of 2006. Available at CDBaby.com and iTunes.

Photos

Feeling a bit camera shy

Bio

Born and raised in Vestal, NY Joe began a new chapter in Worcester, Massachussets in 2003; but a growing legion quickly followed. In 2006 he won Best Coffeehouse/Singer-Songwriter of Worcester (hosted by The Pulse Magazine) and he finished recording his debut, "Smoky Joe," as well. He is now a staple in the Worcester scence and his fan base continues to extend into the surrounding towns.

Joe Hogan brings a soft sound to our musical ears, giving us a breath of fresh air from the over-produced and over-done rock heard every other minute in this industry. His talent on the guitar and a unique vocal range are a stand out; accompanied by his intimate songwriting and friends on stage with piano and violin.

Dave Matthews was Joe's initial influence for picking up the guitar. But, he draws largely on Blues legend Keb' Mo and his Folk hero Bob Dylan to fuse a sound that is unique, yet familiar.

When Joe Hogan sings, you can hear threads of Jeff Buckley in the honesty of his lyrics and the quality of his vocals.

What makes Joe stand out are his abilities to write, play and sing well. This is a combination that many wish for and few attain during the entirety of their career. Joe already has these three aspects polished and exemplifies them on his independantly released debut album, "Smoky Joe," in June of 2006. "Smoky Joe" is available on iTunes, CDBaby.com and joehoganlive.com.

Joe Hogan... enjoy and experience the music.